Sneak Preview: Liebherr’s new 7-meter telehandlers: the TL 432-7, TL-436-7 and TL-441-7

Updated Nov 2, 2014
The Liebherr TL 432-7.The Liebherr TL 432-7.

Although they won’t show up in the United States until 2016, Liebherr gave us an early look last week at the three new telehandlers it is debuting in Europe in 2015. And not to disparage European “football,” but these machines are built like an NFL running back: wide, low center of gravity and hard to unbalance.

A single joystick controls operations, including travel direction.A single joystick controls operations, including travel direction.

All three models offer a lifting height of 7 meters, hence the dash-7 suffix. The two numbers before that tell you the lifting capacity, hence the TL-432-7 lifts 3.2 tons, the TL-436-7 can carry 3.6 tons and the TL-441-7 hoists up to 4.1 tons.

A single joystick controls all operations and includes a travel direction switch. Cabs are generously sized with large windows and a tilting steering column. Hydrostatic drive gives these machines smooth, infinite speed control and stepless gear changes.

A new frame design and large wheelbase add stability as does the deep mounting position of the telescopic boom in the frame. Fully lowered, the top of the boom surface sits well below the level of the operator’s shoulder, offering excellent visibility on the starboard (right) side.

The 45-percent, self-locking limited-slip differential on the front axle and the wide swing angle of the rear axle give the new telehandlers a sure-footed feel in difficult terrain conditions. Selectable front-wheel steering, all-wheel steering and crab steering can get you in and out of just about any tight spot. Get stuck in one of these and you may have to turn in your man card.

Service points are grouped together and easily accessible to reduce maintenance time.Service points are grouped together and easily accessible to reduce maintenance time.

To maximize jobsite safety the standard load torque limiter automatically regulates the speed of the working hydraulics. Should you try to lift too much weight too far over the safe operating range, functions that would cause the machine to tip over are blocked, and only movements that allow the machine to return to a safe and stable condition are allowed. Acoustic and visual overload warnings are also given. An automatic parking brake keeps these telehandlers from accidentally moving on sloped terrain.

Tier 4 Interim Deutz engines, rated at 101 horsepower drive the new dash-7 telehandlers. These powerplants use a diesel oxidation catalyst as the primary emissions control technology. For applications on steep ground or those requiring additional lifting power, Liebherr offers an engine with 122 horsepower and increased hydraulic delivery rates.

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The company also said it plans to introduce 13- and 17-meter class telehandlers at a later date.

Cabs have been super-sized. The deep pivot point on the boom affords excellent visibility over the side.Cabs have been super-sized. The deep pivot point on the boom affords excellent visibility over the side.